Deposit pending check clearance

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for processing checks are described. In particular, an individual can submit a check to a check casher entity, in exchange for a stored-value card (SVC) with an associated pending deposit to be made available on a specified date. The check casher entity can provide the check to a check processor, which can process the check. If the specified date is reached without any problems with processing the check, then the pending deposit on the SVC can be made available to the individual. If the check bounces, then the pending deposit is not made available on the SVC. According to implementations, the SVC processing can be handled by an SVC processor entity.

FIELD

This invention generally relates to systems and methods for processingtransactions. More particularly, this invention relates to platforms andtechniques for processing financial check instruments.

BACKGROUND

Check cashers are entities, agencies, and the like that can monitizethird party checks. Some individuals lack a conventional bank account,and thus need to convert any possessed checks into cash via a checkcasher. The check casher charges the individual a fee or other forms ofconsideration for providing the check cashing service as well as fortaking the risk that the check might bounce due to insufficient funds,fraud, and/or other factors.

For check cashers, the risk of default on checks is high. Until thecheck casher successfully retrieves the funds from the individual, therisks associated with the loss of the funds as well as returned checkfees charged by the check processor are the responsibility of the checkcasher. Further, check defaults of the check casher increase the risk tothe check processor in that unexpected check returns can unexpectedlycause the check casher to exceed a line of credit already extended tothe check casher. To reduce default risk, some check cashers will “hold”the funds of a check whereby the individual is required to return to thecheck casher to receive the funds after the check casher believes thatthe risk of default has passed.

A need therefore exists for systems and methods to reduce checkprocessing risk. More particularly, a need exists for platforms andtechniques for reducing the risks associated with check default and forreducing the overall cost of the check cashing process for the checkcasher and/or the individual.

SUMMARY

Implementations are directed to systems and methods for checkprocessing. According to implementations in one regard, an indication ofa check submitted by a customer to the check casher entity can bereceived from the check casher entity. Further, a request for a pendingdeposit to be placed on a card provided to the customer by the checkcasher entity can also be received. A card processor entity can benotified of the pending deposit to be placed on the card and a specifieddate on which the pending deposit will be available. Further, thepending deposit can be processed by a processor.

According to implementations in another regard, a system for checkprocessing is disclosed. The system comprises a processor and a computerreadable storage medium coupled to the processor. The computer readablestorage medium comprises instructions for causing the processor toreceive, from a check casher entity, an indication of a check submittedby a customer to the check casher entity, and a request for a pendingdeposit to be placed on a card provided to the customer by the checkcasher entity. Further, the processor notifies a card processor entityof the pending deposit to be placed on the card and a specified date onwhich the pending deposit will be available, and processes the pendingdeposit.

According to implementations in another regard, a check comprising anamount payable can be received from a customer. Further, a cardindicating a pending deposit amounting to some or all of the amountpayable, and an indication of a date on which the pending deposit willbe made available, can be provided to the customer. Still further, anindication of the check can be submitted to a check processor entity,wherein the pending deposit associated with the card is processedaccording to a processing of the check by the check processor entity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate implementations of the presentdisclosure and together with the description, serve to explain theimplementations.

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an exemplary checkprocessing environment according to various implementations.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a check processing techniqueaccording to various implementations.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a check processing techniqueaccording to various implementations.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a check processing techniqueaccording to various implementations.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a check processing techniqueaccording to various implementations.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a check processing techniqueaccording to various implementations.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary hardware configuration of a componentused in processing data according to various implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations are directed towards systems and methods for processingchecks. In particular, a check processing system can comprise one ormore check cashers, check processors, and stored-value card (SVC)processors. When a customer wishes to cash a third-party check at acheck casher, the check casher can provide an SVC to the customer. Inimplementations, the SVC has an associated pending deposit equal to someor all of the amount payable specified by the check. Further, the SVCcan indicate a specified date on which the pending deposit can be madeavailable to the customer.

The check casher can submit an indication of the check to a checkprocessor, which can be configured to process the check. The checkprocessor can submit the indication of the check to a check processingbank, and can notify the SVC processor of the pending deposit associatedwith the customer. If there are any problems with the check (e.g., thecheck “bounces” when submitted to a check issuing bank), then the checkprocessor can inform the SVC processor to reverse or otherwise not availthe pending deposit on the SVC to the customer. In contrast, if thespecified date is reached without any problems processing the check,then the check processor can submit an instruction to the SVC processorto reverse the pending load on the SVC, and submit an immediate loadwith the amount of the pending deposit.

As used herein, a stored-value card (SVC) can refer to any type of card,note, and/or the like with a monetary value associated therewith, suchas via data physically stored on the SVC. The value associated with theSVC can be accessed, for example, using a magnetic stripe embedded inthe card, via radio-frequency identification, by entering a code number,or via other processes or techniques. It should be appreciated thatother monetary products, items, or instruments can be used in additionto or in place of SVCs in the systems and methods as described hereinsuch as, for example, prepaid cards, gift cards, debit cards, electronicmoney, and others.

The systems and methods as described herein can reduce or eliminate therisk of default for the check casher, as the funds associated with anamount payable can be made available when a specified date is reachedwithout the check defaulting. Further, the systems and methods asdescribed herein can reduce or eliminate the risk associated with acheck processor, as immediate credit can be given for a check cashedwith a pending check clearance. As a result, the check casher can cashchecks amounting to more than an amount available to the check casher,and the check casher can cash checks beyond a credit limit of the checkcasher, as the checks are protected from default risk. Further, thecustomer cashing the check can be made aware of the delayed availabilityof the funds, as well as the pending status of the funds via an SVC cardprovided to the customer, so that the transaction with the check cashercan be completed without requiring a subsequent visit of the customer,or requiring the customer to trust the integrity of the check casher.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary implementations of thedisclosure examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference names and numbers willbe used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings that form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way ofillustration-specific exemplary implementations. These implementationsare described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the implementations, and it is to be understood that otherimplementations can be used and that changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. The following descriptionis, therefore, merely exemplary.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary check processingenvironment 100 consistent with various implementations. It should beappreciated that each of the components of the environment 100 cancomprise one or multiple entities. As shown in FIG. 1, the environment100 can comprise a customer 115 and a check casher 110. The customer 115can be any individual, group of individuals, or other entity, inpossession of a check. For example, the check can be any document orinstrument that can order a payment of money from a bank account. Theentity issuing the check (the “drawer”) can have an account, such as achecking account, in which money is deposited. The drawer can write thecheck with various details (e.g. money amount, date, payee, etc.) thatcan order a bank of the drawer to pay the money amount to the payee whenthe payee redeems, or cashes, the check.

According to implementations, the customer 115 can tiring a check to thecheck casher 110 for processing and/or payment. The check casher 110 canbe any business, individual, corporation, agency, or any other type ofentity that can receive checks from customers and provide cash or cashequivalents to the customers upon receipt of and/or in exchange for thecheck. For example, the check casher 110 can be a money transfer agentthat can be used in remittance payments. In exchange for providing cashor cash equivalents to the customers, the check casher 110 can withholda fee from the customer, and/or charge other forms of consideration. Forexample, if the money amount of a check brought to the check casher 110by the customer 115 is $50, then the check casher 110 can provide $48 tothe customer 115 and keep $2 as a fee. It should be appreciated that thefees charged by the check casher 110 can vary. The check casher 110 canbe equipped with resources in compliance with the Check 21 Act, whichallows the recipient of the original check to create a digital versionof the original check, thereby eliminating the need for further handlingof the original check. For example, the check casher 110 can beconfigured with a scanner or other imaging device(s) to create anelectronic version, such as an image(s), of a check received from thecustomer 115.

The environment 100 can further comprise a check processor 105 that canbe a business, individual, corporation, or other type of entity that canbe configured to interface or otherwise communicate with the checkcasher 110, or other entities of the environment 100. The checkprocessor 105 and the check casher 110 can be configured to exchangedata via any type of wired or wireless network or data connection. Forexample, the check casher 110 can be configured to send, to the checkprocessor 105, an electronic version of a check received from thecustomer 115. The check processor 105 can further be configured tointerface or otherwise communicate with a check processing bank 125. Inimplementations, the check processing bank 125 can be any institution,company, or other entity that can be configured to receive checks orindications of checks, and submit the checks to other banks or entities.For example, the check processing bank 125 can employ Check 21functionalities, can be an automated clearing house (ACH), or canimplement other techniques.

The environment 100 can further comprise a check issuing bank 130 thatcan be any institution, company, or other type of entity that can beconfigured to interface or otherwise communicate with the checkprocessing bank 125, or other entities. In implementations, the checkissuing bank 130 can be the bank of the drawer of a check. For example,if a drawer writes a check to a payee for $100, then, in processing thecheck, an account of the drawer at the check issuing bank 130 can bededucted by $100. In implementations, the check processing bank 125 canbe configured to provide a check or an indication of a check to thecheck issuing bank 130. Further, as discussed herein, the check issuingbank 130 can be configured to reverse credits associated with theentities of the environment 100 if a check fails to process or the check“bounces,” such as if insufficient funds exist in an associated accountof the drawer or if the instrument is fraudulent and/or has nocorresponding account.

According to implementations, the environment 100 can further comprise astored-value card (SVC) processor 120 that can be any type of company,individual, institution, or other type of entity. The SVC processor 120can be configured to interface or otherwise communicate with the checkprocessor 105, the customer 115, and/or other entities of theenvironment 100. In implementations, the SVC processor 120 can beseparate from or a part of one or more entities of the environment 100.For example, the check processor 105 can comprise resources orcomponents configured to initialize and/or implement the functionalitiesof the SVC processor 120.

The SVC processor 120 can establish a system or technique to processSVCs provided to the customers 115. In particular, the SVC processor 120can process balance inquiries from the customer 115, as well as theavailing of funds on the SVCs provided to the customer 115. Further, theSVC processor 120 can be configured to interface or otherwisecommunicate with an SVC issuing bank 135 that can maintain accountsassociated with the check processor 105, the customer 115, and/or otherentities. The SVC issuing bank 135 can be any type of company,individual, institution, or other type of entity.

It should be appreciated that the SVC processor 120 can process othertypes of cash equivalents to the customer 115 such as, for example, adebit card, a gift card, a prepaid credit card, and/or other closed,semi-closed, or open system cards. The SVCs processed by the SVCprocessor 120 can physically store data relating to the funds availableor pending on the SVCs. The customers 115 can use the funds to the SVCsto purchase goods or services from merchants or other entities, asunderstood in the art.

According to implementations, when the customer 115 submits a check tothe check casher 110, the check casher 110 can be configured to providean SVC to the customer 115 with a pending deposit amounting to some orall of the money amount of the check. Further, the SVC can specify adate on which the pending deposit can be made available. If thespecified date is reached without any problems with processing the check(e.g., if the check does not “bounce”), then the SVC processor 120 canavail the pending deposit on the SVC provided to the customer 115. Moreparticularly, the check processor 105 can submit a card load instructionto the SVC processor 120, and the SVC processor 120 can issue a loadinstruction to the SVC issuing bank 135. In contrast, if the check doesnot clear, then the pending deposit on the SVC is not made available,and any associated account credits of the entities of the environment100 can be reversed.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary process 200 used in some check cashingtransactions. In particular, the process 200 of FIG. 2 details anexisting technique of cashing a check by an individual. It should beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagram depictedin FIG. 2 represents a generalized illustration and that otherprocessing may be added or existing processing can be removed ormodified.

The process 200 begins at 204, when an individual can submit a check toa check casher. For instance, the individual can take a third partycheck into a check cashing entity. In some implementations, the customercan submit check information, information about the customer, and/orother information, to be verified and/or compared to known bad checks,customers, or other suspect transactions. In 206, the check casher candeduct a fee and return the money amount of the check to the individual.In 208, the check casher can submit the check to a check processor,which can credit an account of the check casher with the money amount ofthe check. For example, the check casher can submit an image of thecheck to the check processor. In 210, the check processor can submit thecheck to a processor bank. In implementations, the processor bank can beequipped with “Check 21” capabilities.

In 212, the processor bank can credit the check processor for the moneyamount of the check. In 214, the processor bank can submit the check toan issuing bank which can credit the processor bank for the money amountof the check. If there are no problems with the check, then thetransaction can complete and the processing can end. If, however, thereare any problems with the check, then in 216, the issuing bank canreturn the check to the processor bank and reverse the credit amountapplied to the processor bank. For example, the check can “bounce” ifthe drawer of the check has insufficient funds in an applicable account.In 218, the processor bank can inform the check processor of thereturned check and can reverse the credit amount applied to the checkprocessor. In 220, the check processor can inform the check casher ofthe returned check and can reverse the credit amount applied to thecheck casher. In 222, the check casher can attempt to locate thecustomer to return the check. If the customer is found, then in 224, thecustomer can return the cash received from the check casher and can payany associated returned check fees.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process 300 used in other check cashingtransactions. In particular, the process 300 of FIG. 3 details anotherexisting technique of cashing a check by an individual. Further, theprocess 300 comprises processing associated with holding funds until acheck processes or clears. It should be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that the diagram depicted in FIG. 3 represents ageneralized illustration and that other processing may be added orexisting processing can be removed or modified.

The process 300 begins at 304, where an individual can submit a check toa check casher. For instance, the individual can take a third partycheck into a check cashing entity. In 306, the check casher can deduct afee and return a portion of the money amount of the check to theindividual. Further, the check casher can hold a balance of the moneyamount for a specified length of time necessary to determine if and/orwhen the check will “bounce” or be cleared. In implementations, thespecified length of time can be a set or varied amount, or can betriggered once a result (e.g. cleared or bounced) is known. Further, thecheck casher can provide no money to the customer and can place the fullmoney amount on hold. In 308, the check casher can submit the check to acheck processor, which can credit an account of the check casher withthe money amount of the check. For example, the check casher can submitan image of the check to the check processor. In 310, the checkprocessor can submit the check to a processor bank. In implementations,the processor bank can be equipped with “Check 21” capabilities.

In 312, the processor bank can credit the check processor for the moneyamount of the check. In 314, the processor bank can submit the check toan issuing bank which can credit the processor bank for the money amountof the check. If there are any problems with the check, then in 316, theissuing bank can return the check to the processor bank and reverse thecredit amount applied to the processor bank. For example, the check can“bounce” if the drawer of the check has insufficient funds in anapplicable account. In 318, the processor bank can inform the checkprocessor of the returned check and can reverse the credit amountapplied to the check processor. In 320, the check processor can informthe check casher of the returned check and can reverse the credit amountapplied to the check casher. In 322, the customer can return to thecheck casher in an attempt to retrieve the balance of the funds, and thecheck casher can notify the customer that the check did not process. In324, the customer can return the portion of the money amount to thecheck casher. Further, the customer can pay any associated returnedcheck fees.

The processes 200, 300 of FIGS. 2 and 3 have many drawbacks, however. Inparticular, in the process 200, the check casher holds all of the riskif a check fails to process and the check casher cannot locate thecustomer and/or get the customer to return the funds. Further, in theprocess 300, the check casher holds some risk if a check fails toprocess and the customer does not return the portion of the checkalready provided to the customer. In addition, the customer holds somerisk if the check fails to process and the check casher will not abscondwith the remainder of the funds. Moreover, in the process 300, thecustomer is required to return to the check casher to obtain theremainder of the funds. Still further, current risk reductionstrategies, such as database checks, do not always identify fraud withrecent accounts or can otherwise be inaccurate, and third parties cancharge fees for the service.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process 400 according to presentembodiments. In particular, the process 400 of FIG. 4 detailsincorporating the use of prepaid cards, SVCs, and the like, in checkprocessing transactions. It should be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that the diagram depicted in FIG. 4 represents ageneralized illustration and that other processing may be added orexisting processing can be removed or modified.

The process 400 begins at 404, where an individual can submit a check toa check casher. For instance, the individual can take a third partycheck into a check cashing entity. In 406, the check casher can deduct afee and return a portion of the money amount of the check to theindividual. Further, the check casher can place a balance of the moneyamount on a stored-value card (SVC) and provide the SVC to the customer,with an indication that a portion of the balance is availableimmediately and a portion of the balance on the SVC will be available ona specified date. In some implementations, the check casher cannegotiate with the customer as to how much of the balance will be placedon the SVC, when the balance on the SVC will become available, and otherconsiderations. In implementations, the check casher can provide nomoney to the customer and can place the full money amount on the SVC, tobe made available on the specified date. In 408, the check casher cansubmit the check to a check processor and request that the balance ofthe money amount be placed on the customer's SVC. Further, the checkprocessor can credit an account of the check casher with the moneyamount of the check. In 410, the check processor can submit the check toa check processing bank. In implementations, the check processing bankcan be equipped with “Check 21” capabilities.

In 412, the check processor can instruct or otherwise indicate to an SVCprocessor that the balance of the money amount is a pending deposit thatcan be made available on a specified date. In some implementations, thecheck processor can submit a message to the SVC processor that anassociated account has a pending deposit and will be available on aspecified date, and this message can be displayed whenever the customerperforms a balance inquiry. In other implementations, the checkprocessor can submit appropriate funds to the SVC processor to be helduntil the specified date. In 414, the SVC processor can inform thecustomer of the pending deposit and when the pending deposit will bemade available, as well as the amount of the pending deposit. Inimplementations, the SVC processor can automatically or manually informthe customer via any type of data communication such as, for example, atext message, phone call, email, and/or similar channel. In 416, thecheck processing bank can credit the check processor for the moneyamount of the check. In 418, the check processing bank can submit thecheck to a check issuing bank for clearance by the check issuing bank.Further, the check issuing bank can, credit the check processing bankfor the money amount of the check.

If there are any problems with the check, then in 420, the check issuingbank can return the check to the check processing bank and reverse thecredit amount applied to the check processing bank. For example, thecheck can “bounce” if the drawer of the check has insufficient funds inan applicable account. In 422, the check processing bank can inform thecheck processor of the returned check and can reverse the credit amountapplied to the check processor. In 424, the check processor can informthe check casher of the returned check and can reverse the credit amountapplied to the check casher. In 426, the check processor can reverse orotherwise erase the pending deposit associated with the SVC. Inimplementations, the check processor can notify the SVC processor todelete the pending deposit message. In 428, the SVC processor can notifythe customer of the returned check and can instruct or request that thecustomer return to the check casher to retrieve the returned check. In430, the check casher can attempt to locate the customer to return thecheck. If the customer is found, then in 432, the customer can returnany cash received from the check casher and can pay any associatedreturned check fees.

If, however, the elapsed hold time passes, or once the specified date isreached, and the check has not been returned, then in 434, the checkprocessor can submit an instruction to the SVC processor to load theSVC. In some implementations, the check processor can submit theappropriate funds to the SVC processor and can eliminate any pendingdeposit instructions being sent to the SVC processor. In otherimplementations, the SVC processor can release the funds alreadysubmitted by the check processor. In 436, the'SVC processor can issue aninstruction to an SVC issuing bank to load the SVC, and the SVC issuingbank can move funds from a pre-funded account associated with the checkprocessor to an SVC master account, or the like. In 438, the SVCprocessor can notify the customer of the available funds. Inimplementations, the SVC processor can notify the customer of theavailable funds via any type of data communication such as, for example,a text message, phone call, email, and/or similar channel.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a process 500 ofincorporating a prepaid card in a check processing transaction. Inimplementations, the process 500 can be performed by a check processor,such as the check processor 105, or by any other entity or logic in asystem. It should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatthe diagram depicted in FIG. 5 represents a generalized illustration andthat other processing may be added or existing processing can be removedor modified.

In 502, processing can begin. In 504, the check processor can receive,from a check casher entity, an indication, such as an electronicrepresentation, of a check submitted by a customer to the check casherentity. In implementations, the check casher entity can take a fee froman amount of the check, and initiate a processing of the balance of theamount. Further, the check casher entity can provide an SVC to thecustomer with an indication of the balance and an indication of a dateon which the balance will become available. In some implementations, thecheck casher can load an SVC previously used by the customer. In 506,the check processor can credit an account of the check casher entitywith an amount of the check. In 508, the check processor can submit thecheck to a bank such as, for example, a check processing bank. Inimplementations, the check processor can receive a credit for the amountof the check from the check processing bank. In 510, the check processorcan submit a message to an SVC processor indicating that there is apending deposit for an account associated with the customer.

In 512, the check processor can determine whether the specified date hasbeen reached without any problems with the check. For example, there areno problems with the check if the check does not “bounce” before thespecified date is reached. If there are any problems with the check(514, NO), then the check processor can inform the SVC processor todelete the message and notify the customer of the returned check. Inimplementations, the check processor can inform the SVC processor tocancel the submitted funds and inform the customer of the returnedcheck. Further, in implementations, the SVC processor can provideinstructions to the customer to retrieve the check from the checkcasher. In 516, the check processor can inform the check casher entityof the returned check and reverse the credit to the account of the checkcasher entity.

In contrast, if the specified date is reached without any problems withthe check (518, YES), then the check processor can submit a card loadinstruction to the SVC processor and eliminate the pending depositinstruction. In implementations, the SVC processor can issue a loadinstruction to an SVC issuing bank, which can retrieve funds from anaccount of the check processor. Further, the SVC processor can notifythe customer of the available funds. In 520, the processing can end,repeat, or return to any of the previous steps.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a process 600 ofincorporating a prepaid card, an SVC card, and/or the like, in a checkprocessing transaction. In implementations, the process 600 can beperformed by a check casher entity, such as the check casher 110, or byany other entity or logic in a system. It should be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art that the diagram depicted in FIG. 6 representsa generalized illustration and that other processing may be added orexisting processing can be removed or modified.

In 602, processing can begin. In 604, the check casher can receive, froma customer, a check comprising an amount payable. In 606, the checkcasher can provide an SVC to the customer or add funds to a previouslyprovided SVC, and cause that SVC to indicate a pending deposit amountingto some or all of the amount payable and a specified date on which thepending deposit will be available. In implementations, the check cashercan take a fee from the amount payable of the check, and initiate aprocessing of the remainder of the amount. In 608, the check casher cansubmit an indication of the check to a check processor entity. Forexample, the check casher can submit an electronic version of the checkto the check processor entity. In 610, the check casher can receive acredit to an account from the check processor entity that amounts tosome or all of the amount payable. For example, once the check cashersubmits the indication of the check to the check processor entity, thecheck processor entity can credit the account of the check casher.

In 612, the check casher can determine whether the specified date hasbeen reached without any problems with the check. For example, there areno problems with the check if the check does not “bounce” before thespecified date is reached. If there are any problems with the check(614, NO), then the check casher can receive an indication of a reversalof the credit to the account. In implementations, the check processorcan reverse the credit to the account. Further, in 616, the check cashercan attempt to locate the customer to return the check. For example, thecheck casher can attempt to locate the customer via any type of datacommunication (e.g., text message, e-mail, phone call, and/or others),and, if the customer is found, the check casher can request that thecustomer return any monies received and/or pay any associated returnedcheck fees.

In contrast, if the specified date is reached without any problems withthe check (618, YES), then the customer can receive an indication thatthe pending deposit is available on the SVC. In implementations, thecheck processor or SVC processor can notify the customer of theavailable deposit on the SVC. In 620, the processing can end, repeat, orreturn to any of the previous steps.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing system 700which can be implemented to store and execute processing modulesassociated with any and components of the check processing environment100, according to various implementations. In embodiments, theprocessing modules can be stored and executed on the computing system700 in order to perform the systems and methods as described herein. Thecomputing systems 700 can represent an example of any computing systemsin the check processing environment 100. While FIG. 7 illustratesvarious components of the computing system 700, one skilled in the artwill realize that existing components can be removed or additionalcomponents can be added.

As shown in FIG. 7, the computing system 700 can comprise one or moreprocessors, such as a processor 702 that provide an execution platformfor embodiments of the processing modules. Commands and data from theprocessor 702 can be communicated over a communication bus 704. Thecomputing system 700 can also comprise a main memory 706, for example,one or more computer readable storage media such as a Random AccessMemory (RAM), where the processing modules and other applicationprograms, such as an operating system (OS) can be executed duringruntime, and can comprise a secondary memory 708. The secondary memory708 can comprise, for example, one or more computer readable storagemedia or devices such as a hard disk drive 710 and/or a removablestorage drive 712, representing a floppy diskette drive, a magnetic tapedrive, a compact disk drive, etc., where a copy of an applicationprogram embodiment for the processing modules can be stored. Theremovable storage drive 712 reads from and/or writes to a removablestorage unit 714 in a well-known manner. The computing system 700 canalso comprise a network interface 716 in order to connect with any typeof network, whether wired or wireless.

In embodiments, a user can interface with the computing system 700 andoperate the processing modules with a keyboard 718, a mouse 720, and/ora display 722. To provide information from the computing system 700 anddata from the processing modules, the computing system 700 can comprisea display adapter 724. The display adapter 724 can interface with thecommunication bus 704 and the display 722. The display adapter 724 canreceive display data from the processor 702 and convert the display datainto display commands for the display 722.

The foregoing description is illustrative, and variations inconfiguration and implementation may occur to persons skilled in theart. For instance, the various illustrative logics, logical blocks,modules, and circuits described in connection with the implementationsdisclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purposeprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) orother programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor maybe a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, the processor may be anyconventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. Aprocessor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices,e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration.

In one or more exemplary implementations, the functions described may beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on ortransmitted over as one or more instructions or code on acomputer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computerstorage media and communication media including any medium thatfacilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Astorage media may be any available media that can be accessed by acomputer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readablemedia can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code inthe form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed bya computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readablemedium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website,server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable,twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologiessuch as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiberoptic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such asinfrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium.Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc,optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray discwhere disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproducedata optically with lasers. Combinations of the elements describedherein can also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

The processing of a method or algorithm described in connection with theimplementations disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware,in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of thetwo. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROMmemory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removabledisk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Anexemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, such that theprocessor can read information from, and write information to, thestorage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integralto the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in anASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, theprocessor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in auser terminal.

1. A method of check processing, comprising: receiving, from a checkcasher entity, an indication of a check submitted by a customer thecheck casher entity, and a request for a pending deposit to be placed ona stored-value card provided to the customer by the check casher entity;notifying a card processor entity of the pending deposit to be placed onthe stored-value card and a specified date on which at least a portionof the pending deposit will be available; receiving, prior to thespecified date, an indication that the check did not clear; and indirect response to receiving the indication that the check did notclear, instructing the card processor entity to reverse the pendingdeposit and notify the customer that the check did not clear.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein notifying the card processor entity furthercomprises: notifying the card processor entity of a date different fromthe specified date on which another portion of the pending deposit willbe available.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: instructingthe card processor entity, on the specified date, to eliminate thepending deposit on the stored-value card and submit an immediate load inan amount equal to the pending deposit.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein the card processor entity notifies the customer that theimmediate load is available.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the cardprocessor entity notifies the customer that the check did not clear andinstructs the customer to retrieve the check from the check usherentity.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein notifying the card processorentity of the pending deposit to be placed on the stored-value cardcomprises: submitting a message to the card processor entity indicatingthat the pending deposit is associated with an account of the customer.7. The method of claim 1, wherein notifying the card processor entity ofthe pending deposit to be placed on the stored-value card comprises:submitting, to the card processor entity, funds equal to the pendingdeposit, wherein the funds are to be held until the specified date.
 8. Asystem for cheek processing, comprising: a processor; and a computerreadable storage medium coupled to the processor and comprisinginstructions for causing the processor to perform actions comprising:receiving, from a check casher entity, an indication of a checksubmitted by a customer to the check casher entity, and a request for apending deposit to be placed on a stored-value card provided to thecustomer by the check casher entity; notifying a card processor entityof the pending deposit to be placed on the stored-value card and aspecified date on which at least a portion of the pending deposit willbe available; receiving, prior to the specified date, an indication thatthe check did not clear; and in direct response to receiving theindication that the check did not clear, instructing the card processorentity to reverse the pending deposit and not the customer that thecheck did not clear.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein notifying thecard processor entity further comprises: notifying the card processorentity of a date, different from the specified date on which anotherportion of the pending deposit will be available.
 10. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the computer readable storage medium further comprisesinstructions for causing the processor to perform actions comprising:instructing the card processor entity, on the specified date, toeliminate the pending deposit on the stored-value card and submit animmediate load in an amount equal to the pending deposit.
 11. The systemof claim 10, wherein the card processor entity notifies the customerthat the immediate load is available.
 12. The system of claim 8, whereinthe card processor entity notifies the customer that the check did notclear and instructs the customer to retrieve the check from the checkcasher entity.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein notifying the cardprocessor entity of the pending deposit to be placed on the stored-valuecard comprises: submitting a message to the card processor entityindicating that the pending deposit is associated with an account of thecustomer.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein notifying the cardprocessor entity of the pending deposit to be placed on the stored-valuecard comprises: submitting, to the card processor entity, funds equal tothe pending deposit, wherein the funds are to be held until thespecified date.
 15. A method of check processing, comprising: receiving,from a customer, a check comprising an amount payable; providing, to thecustomer, a stored-value card indicating a pending deposit amounting tosome or all of the amount payable, and an indication of a specified dateon which at least a portion of the pending deposit will be available;submitting, by a processor, a request to process the check to a checkprocessor entity; receiving an indication from the check processorentity that the pending deposit associated with the stored-value cardhas been reversed based on a determination that the check did not clearprior to the specified date; and in direct response to receiving theindication that the pending deposit has been reversed, notifying thecustomer that the pending deposit associated with the stored-value cardhas been reversed.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein receiving anindication from the check processor further comprises: attempting tolocate the customer to return the check.
 17. The method of claim 15,wherein the pending deposit associated with the stored-value card isavailed to the customer when the specified date is reached withoutreceiving the indication that the pending deposit has been reversed. 18.The method of claim 15, wherein providing the stored-value card furthercomprises: providing an indication of a date different from thespecified date on which another portion of the pending deposit will beavailable.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein submitting a request toprocess the check to the check processor entity further comprises:transmitting, by the processor, a digital version of the check to thecheck processor entity.
 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising:submitting, to the check processor entity, a request to place thepending deposit on the stored-value card.